Chapter Text
The dance practice room wasn't exactly quiet. Yet it was too quiet for Taeyang's liking.
He sighed as he looked around the practice room, everyone had split off to work on their gestures for their next comeback, so it was understandable that everyone was focused. Off in their own worlds as they muttered their lines and counted the beats, trying to think of ways to look effortlessly cool whilst executing their parts.
What Taeyang didn't like in particular was how quiet their leader had become. Keeho, who was loud by nature sat silently in the corner taking a break, staring at his phone frowning. They weren't long back from finishing their Most Wanted Tour in Europe and after their final date in London, Keeho had fallen ill. Taeyang's brows furrowed as he squinted at Keeho trying to figure out what he was thinking or feeling as he sat quietly in the corner.
Keeho had told everyone it was just a regular flu and not to worry about him but Taeyang knew he was lying. Keeho had been sick for well over a week, despite going to the hospital on their return to Korea he chirpily assured everyone that he was feeling better after a week had passed.
However, Taeyang could tell just by looking at him that he was playing it off, well enough to fool the members and their managers but Taeyang knew Keeho like the back of his hand.
The almost imperceptible winces when the lights were too bright, the rasp left to his voice left after he finally regained it, the coughs hidden into the crook of his elbow and the way he frequently cleared his throat as though there was something stuck there.
Keeho was hiding it well, but he could not fool Choi Taeyang.
Taeyang was snapped out of his thoughts as he felt a sharp jab into his side. He yelped, turning to his left to find an unimpressed Jongseob staring at him.
"Yah! Kim Jongseob! What was that for!?" Taeyang nagged, rubbing his side to get rid of the sting.
"You're glaring at Keeho like he owes you money hyung." Jongseob said raising an eyebrow at Taeyang and crossing his arms. Taeyang mentally rolled his eyes, Jongseob was really annoying sometimes.
"No I wasn't, stop being stupid. You're seeing things Jongseobie." Taeyang replied lightly, running a hand through his hair then proceeding to ruffle Jongseob's hair as well. Serves the brat right for questioning him. Jongseob let out a chuckle as he pushed Taeyang's arm away from his head.
"Whatever you say hyung." Jongseob smirked at him, like he knew something Taeyang didn't. What a brat Taeyang thought, he really needs to teach that kid some manners they let him get away with too much sometimes.
As he glanced back in Keeho's direction Taeyang's gaze was met with Keeho looking back at him. Taeyang's heart skipped a beat for a second, his eyes softened as he gave a small smile to their leader. Keeho stared blankly at him for a second before giving a small smile back, Taeyang's smile faltered as he realised it didn't quiet reach his eyes as his smiles normally did.
Taeyang forced his gaze back to the mirror beside him, he had probably spent enough time slacking in this dance lesson already. A few more run throughs and he would have his part near-perfected, he might as well focus for a bit and leave his thoughts for later - he was a professional after all.
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"Right guys! One more run through as a group and an interview for the practice behind and we can call it a night!" Their dance performance director shouted as their lesson was nearing it's end. Taeyang glanced toward the clock on the wall, comeback season always led to early morning starts and late night practices but it was all worth it in the end, even as fatigue began to settle deep into his bones.
As they moved to get into their starting positions, Taeyang couldn't help but glance toward Keeho again. He was concerned for their leader, scared he would take on all of the burdens himself and keep quiet about it. Keeho these days was usually great about leaning on the rest of the members for support, but his recent masking of his own state of health had Taeyang more worried than usual.
Taeyang could admit he was perpetually worried for Keeho, always silently observing and caring for him so he could give that extra little bit of support when Keeho really needed it. To Taeyang, it was the small gestures to lift some burdens for their leader; contacting their managers for travel back to the dorms before Keeho had to; checking in with the members regularly to make sure nothing was worrying them when Keeho's schedule got too much; keeping in touch with P1ece with selcas and Fromm messages so they won't get worried.
Taeyang knew it wasn't a lot, but if he could reduce Keeho's burden's just a small bit, he would do so in a heartbeat. This time Taeyang wasn't so sure what to do. Keeho needed time to recover, which wasn't something the company would be willing to give even if he was honest with his not so swift recovery.
Taeyang was once again ripped from his thoughts startling at a shout from Jiung.
"One last run through - we can do this!" Taeyang smiled softly at Jiung's energy, while Intak and Soul whooped in response at the mention of nearly being done. The atmosphere boost was appreciated greatly, late night practices quickly got tiresome.
Taeyang's mind drifted back to Keeho, Taeyang was in perfect health and felt dead on his feet. He didn't want to think about how much worse Keeho must be feeling, but a quick glance confirmed his suspicions as Keeho stood biting his lip, his skin paler than normal.
Taeyang looked back at the mirror as their dance instructor counted down to starting the song. They'll be going home soon at least. Taeyang just hopes Keeho can hold on until then.
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
As they finish their run through, the members quickly head to get a drink of water and catch their breaths.
"We just need to film the dance behind interview and then you can all go home. Who volunteers?" One of the managers said as the members took their small break.
Intak lazily raised his hand from his spot on the floor that he had chosen as soon as the song finished. Their manager hummed in approval to Intak, his gaze then sweeping across the rest of the members and landing on Keeho.
"I'll do it!" Taeyang blurted out before he could even realise what he was saying, all eyes turning to him. Their manager turned to him and nodded, gesturing for him and Intak to come forward as he grabbed the camera.
The short interview was finished smoothly, Taeyang is nothing but a professional of course. As he began to pack up his stuff he noticed a shadow looming over him. When he looked up he was met by Jongseob's smug expression.
"Hyung, what was that?" Jongseob said snickering with his stupid, in Taeyang's opinion, smug expression.
"What was what?" Taeyang said raising an eyebrow.
"Don't play dumb hyung. I'll do it! Can you be more obvious?" Jongseob replied incredulously, making his voice high pitched when imitating Taeyang. Taeyang rolled his eyes at Jongseob for real this time, sighing as he stood up and stretched.
"I do not sound like that. Come on, let’s go. It's home time." Taeyang replied picking up his bag and hooking his arm around Jongseob's neck, guiding them towards the door, the other members having already left.
"You didn't deny being obvious, you know." Jongseob said when they reached the elevator. "What is up with you, hyung? You are staring at Keeho hyung more than you usually do."
"I do not stare at Keeho." Taeyang pouted petulantly.
"Yes you do hyung, don't try deny it." Jongseob said wearily, "Seriously, what is worrying you?"
Taeyang's heart warmed at Jongseob worrying about him just as much as he was worrying about Keeho. He gave Jongseob a small smile as they got on the elevator.
"Don't worry yourself Jongseobie, everything is okay. I'm just worried Keeho is still sick, there's something off about him but he doesn't want anyone to worry for some reason." Jongseob nodded along as Taeyang explained. "I've got it handled, so don't go worrying about your hyungs. Yoon Keeho is stupid if he thinks anything will get past me."
"Okay hyung, I believe you." Jongseob smiles at him cheekily, then mutters under his breath but purposefully loud enough for Taeyang to hear. "You're obsessed with Keeho hyung anyways."
Taeyang gets his revenge by elbowing Jongseob in the side, receiving a yelp in response. As the elevator reaches it's floor Taeyang steps out, turning to see Jongseob pouting behind him.
"Respect your elders you brat." Taeyang giggled at Jongseob's expression. "Come along, Jiung is waiting on us in the car to go home. You don't want to piss off another hyung, do you?"